Prevent kidney diseases

1. Why your kidneys are important

2. Your risk of developing kidney disease

3. Actions?

[Time to read: 6 minutes]

1. Why your kidneys are important

As the UK NHS tells us, “There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys.

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD) was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It found 1 in every 11 of the world’s population suffer from severe long-term kidney disease (CKD). But fewer than 1 in 10 of people with CKD are aware of their disease. The number of those in the world with all-stage CKD reached almost 700 million in 2017, which is more people than those with diabetes.

Any action plan should include more effective management of risk factors for CKD in primary care, and earlier spotting of those at risk.

If worried about whether your kidneys are working properly, you need blood and urine tests. Speak to your doctor about when your last checks were done and how soon you might need them again. Or, in the UK, look in your own NHS app to see if you have had any kidney tests (ACR and GFR) in the last few years.

2. Your risk of developing kidney disease

The UK NHS tells us, “There is a calculator to work out your risk of developing kidney disease (CKD) over the next 5 years. You just need to answer some simple questions. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure. You could use the tool before your next GP or nurse consultation.

3. Actions?

Put dates of last and next annual kidney blood tests, if needed, and your calculated risk of CKD, in your own personal health plan.

page updated 05 January 2022. © 2022 by social enterprise Diabetes-cutmyrisks.co.uk.™ Ltd.